More banks are charging ATM fees to 'non-customers', while smaller banks and credit unions offer no fee ATM transactions to scoop up more customers.

This spring, the fees charged to 'non-account holders' averaged $1.60. 98% of banks owning ATMs now charge fees to non-account holders.

Washington Mutual, the nation's largest savings and loan, recently stopped letting non-customers use their ATMs for free. According to WaMu, this was to decrease the ATM lines to give its customers quicker access.

Competition now a factor...
To expand its own network, U.S. Bank; a big bank, bought the MoneyPass surcharge-free ATM network. Thus giving its customers free access to 10,000 ATM machines in 48 states.

As the competition for new customers; and to retain customers, heats up, it's expected that more big banks will follow after U.S. Bank.

Fees charged by banks to their customers for using other banks' ATM machines dropped from $1.37 to $1.29.

Consumers seek no-fee ATM banks...
People who are being charged by their bank for using a non-network ATM are looking for a new bank, such as Cherry Hill, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, and Associated Bank.

According to U.S Bank, luring established customers away from other banks is tough, but convenient ATMS are one way to keep them, as well as win new customers entering the market.

Browse ATM Card offers and apply online via Credit Federal.